Generator FAQ’s

How does a Generator work?
The whole home generator is comprised of two basic parts – the transfer switch and the generator itself. The transfer switch monitors the electricity coming in from the utility. When it detects the power has stopped, it sends a signal to the generator, which starts running. The house then receives the electricity being generated at your home. When the power is restored by the utility, the transfer switch transfers the home’s electrical needs to the utility and turns the generator off. All of this is done without involvement of the homeowner. This gives you day and night peace of mind and protection, even if you are away at the vacation or on a business trip. Your home and your family are protected 24/7.

Do I need a whole-house generator?
When the power to your home fails a whole home generator will kick in automatically providing you with continuous power to essential appliances. Many people can live without lights in the bedroom, but have you considered that no electricity in your home means:* Food spoils in the refrigerator.
* Basements can flood because sump pumps stop working.
* Water may stop flowing if you are on a well pump; worse still, sewage may back-up into the house if you have a septic pump.
* The heat shuts off even if you use natural gas, propane, or oil. No electricity means those devices won’t work either.
* Security – you are sitting, possibly alone, in a dark home. Security systems will start to fail after just a few hours.
* Telephones fail or worse, you can’t charge your cell phones or tablets.
* Excessive heat. Who likes living in a home with no air conditioning, no fans, and no cool drinks while waiting for the power to be restored?
* Medical needs. Do you care for someone who may need electricity for health reasons or is weakened and can not handle extremes of temperature?If you experience occasional power outages, you are a good candidate for a home generator.

Do I need to add fuel to the generator?
No! Adding gasoline to a running generator is both a hassle and potentially dangerous. Whole home generators run on the home’s heat source, typically natural gas or propane.

What size do I need?
The answer is, “that depends”. Smaller electrical loads need smaller generators and bigger loads require bigger generators. We will be glad to help you decide what electrical loads are important to you and then engineer the proper size generator to meet your needs. We offer FREE Generator quotes – call us to schedule your appointment today! (704) 821-7005.

How big is the generator?
Generators are actually quite small. Air cooled units (up to 20 kW) take a 3’ x 5’ mounting area and are nominally 2’ wide, 4’ long and about 2.5’ tall. Liquid cooled units are a about a foot longer in each direction.

How loud is a whole home generator?
It depends on the unit, but in general they are no louder than an air-conditioner compressor.

Are there different brands of generators?
Yes. Just like cars, different manufacturer’s products offer different features and benefits. We are authorized for KOHLER, Generac and Briggs and Stratton products. Meaning, we have been trained and certified by the manufacturers’ to properly install, maintain, and service their equipment. We have access to the factory if there are technical questions, need support, and provide parts when needed.

What is next?
Call us for a free proposal on installing a new generator at your home or business. We will meet with you, learn your needs, and design a system that best meets your objectives. Call us to schedule your appointment today! (704) 821-7005.

Generator MaintenanceAlready have a generator installed? We also perform maintenance work on KOHLER, Generac, and Briggs and Stratton generators. We work on all sizes from 12 kW to 30 kW. Our generator maintenance plan includes two yearly checks and an oil change.

Generator RepairNot sure what that yellow light means? Is your generator not exercising properly? Give us a call and set up an appointment for one of our technicians to come out and take a look. Call us to schedule your appointment today! (704) 821-7005.

Call ARC Electric Company to set up your FREE on-site estimate (704) 821-7005!